HC Deb 21 October 1975 vol 898 cc224-5
9. Mr. Moate

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is satisfied with the level of co-ordination of defence policy between the United Kingdom and France.

Mr. Mason

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Moate

At a time when Britain is being criticised for standing up for its own interests by adopting a non-Community approach on energy, is it not ironic that France should still refuse to play a full and active part in NATO? Does the right hon. Gentleman recall that we were told that membership of the Common Market was essential for the defence of Europe? Will he suggest to the French that until they adopt such a full and active rôle they, unlike us, are not being good Europeans?

Mr. Mason

No, I would not be as blunt as to tell the French that. France happens to be a member of NATO, but, whereas we are integrated into the military structure, France is not. However, France maintains a military mission to the Military Committee of NATO and is fully aware of NATO developments.

Mr. Alan Lee Williams

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the French have always complained about the over-weaning influence of the United States in the Atlantic Alliance? Does he agree that if he were to make a success—as chairman of the Eurogroup—of the so-called two-way street in the passage of armaments, this would be a great incentive for France to rejoin the military side of the Atlantic Alliance?

Mr. Mason

Yes, and I should applaud that posture were France to adopt it. My hon. Friend knows that there is a vacant chair in the Eurogroup and the French can join the group at any time they wish. I drew this fact to the attention of my French colleague during the course of discussions with him last week. He is fully aware of the likely outcome of defence equipment moving from Europe to America and vice versa if the two-way street concept gets off the ground.

Mr. Pattie

In view of the recent purchase of the French missile Milan, will the Secretary of State say what the French are purchasing from us?

Mr. Mason

The Question concerns defence policy and not defence sales. There was not a British equivalent of Milan available in the time scale in which we wanted it. We are to negotiate with the French to purchase Milan hoping to get production work in Britain and then be involved in the mid-term improvements of the missile.